Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Development Officer Iqbal Sikandar praised the organization of ACC U-19 Cup at the official reception at the Hotel Soaltee Crown Plaza this evening.
“The tournament so far has been a great sucess,” Sikandar speaking as the ACC representaive said. “Grounds has been excellent and the hospitality exceptional. I congratulate Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for this wonderful hosting.”
Sikandar conceded ACC was concerned about security, ground management and pitches during visits by Development Officer Sultan Rana and Development Manager Rumesh Ratnayake and that only after CAN and government assurance, Nepal was given the rights to host.
“We are fortunate to see tremedeous performance which proves the ACC development program is on the right track,” he added. “For those teams which could not perform well, ACC assures you all that we will help them to improve their standard.”
Sikandar also lauded Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidhyalaya’s interest in cricket and reqested CAN to extend support. He also urged CAN to organize school level cricket tournaments nationwide so to develop cricket from grass roots.
CAN president Jai Kumar Nath Shah, also ACC vice-president, delivered the welcome speech on the occassion while CAN vice-president TB Shah urged all nations to work with dedication so to ensure the youth of Asia became as par to that of other countries.
Laxman Bastola, CAN secretary, during his vote of thanks assured ACC that CAN could organize such events in better way if given opportunities. “We have tried out best for the hosting,” he said. “I hope you all will forgive us for any shortcoming.”
On the occassion, minister for sports Radha Krishna Mainali and assistant minister for sports Senate Shrestha were also present. They distributed soveniors to all teams while umpires, match referees, ACC representatives, scorers and others were also given momento on the occassion.